20th June, 1989

K.MATSUI , ID : MHA02645

TITLE : SRI LANKA 9 (WHAT TO WEAR)

WHAT TO WEAR

In Sri Lanka's heat, light cotton clothing is the most comfortable

and practical. For women, shorrts are not considered proper anywhere

but on the beach. A skirt (with a T-shirt or blouse) is always

appropriate and actually much cooler than shorts. A light cotton

dress is also recommended, but leave your nylon stockings at home.

They are too hot, and nobody wears them anyway. Western men can

sometimes get away with wearing shorts, as local boys often wear

them (although not often adult men). It is best to wear light slacks

and a cool comfortable shirt. You'll meed a tie if you go to the

Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya, but otherwise you probably won't. If you

are planning a trip to the hill country, especially Nuwara Eliya,

you should dress for an English spring. The area is famous for

scenic trails, so a good pair of walking shoes is recommended. At

night the temperature can be quite nippy, so a good wool sweater is

a necessity. Sandals or slippers are much more comfortable than

shoes and much easier to remove when visiting temples and shrines.

If you are really squeamish about going barefoot, most temples will

allow you to wear socks. Sunglasses are also a necessity. It is hard

to get good ones here, so bring them from Japan.